I'm thinking about starting a business by first making myself known by offering free services first. Advice?

Be careful about the way in which you do this. You certainly don't want to create the perception that the service that you offer doesn't have a value associated with it. I don't know what type of service you're offering but, if it makes sense, you might begin to offering "pro bono" work to some non-profits - some elements of your service may be free and you may charge for expenses. When it comes time to present the bill for anything you must charge for, I would itemize the cost for the entire service and then deduct those elements that you're offering on a pro-bono basis so that the value of the services offered for free are clearly visible so it's clear that your service has a specific value. (This may also help establish a value when tax time rolls around.)

You may also consider donating your services to charities (especially those types of events where people bid on services and the value of the service is clearly listed.) This will gain you publicity and word-of-mouth at the same time that you're gaining yourself some valuable experience.

Sure, thats a good way to build up some clientele. make sure to tell them this. Be honest.

Blogging, and B2B Networking. I have included a site that works for me.

comn dude...with out letting us know what business is that, i would not advice u anything. some times offering free service makes no sense in undiffrentiated markets. so tell us the business and then we will let u know what is the right step to build awareness